The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) is a working group of authorities set up by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to set standards for audio and video compression and transmission. Here’s a brief overview of MPEG:
Formation: MPEG was established in 1988 to develop standards for coded representation of digital audio and video. Over the years, they have expanded their focus to include other multimedia representation and information systems.
MPEG Standards: Throughout its existence, MPEG has produced various standards, some of the most notable ones being:
- MPEG-1: The first MPEG compression standard for audio and video. It’s mainly used for Video CD and MP3 audio.
- MPEG-2: Widely used in digital television, DVD video, and satellite broadcasting. Introduced support for interlaced video and higher quality sound.
- MPEG-4: Introduced tools and techniques for advanced multimedia functionalities, such as web interactivity, 3D graphics, and object-based coding. It includes AVC (H.264), which is one of the most popular video coding formats.
- MPEG-7: Not a compression standard but a multimedia content description standard.
- MPEG-21: Aims to provide a multimedia framework to enable transparent and augmented use of multimedia resources across various networks and devices.
Role in the Industry: MPEG has played a significant role in shaping the multimedia landscape. Their standards have facilitated the creation, distribution, and consumption of multimedia content globally.
Collaboration with ITU: On several occasions, MPEG has collaborated with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on video compression standards. A notable outcome of such collaborations is H.264 (also known as AVC), developed jointly with ITU’s Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG).
Future Work and MPEG-I: MPEG continues to work on future standards. An example is the MPEG-I standard, which targets immersive video experiences, including virtual reality.
Licensing: Some of the standards developed by MPEG are patent-encumbered, meaning that they may require licensing agreements and potentially the payment of royalties for commercial use. This aspect has occasionally led to debates in the industry, especially when alternative, royalty-free standards become available.
In essence, MPEG has been instrumental in the evolution of multimedia technology, setting standards that allow for interoperability, efficiency, and high-quality audio and video experiences. The group’s standards have had a profound impact on the media and entertainment industries, among others.